Apologising for falling into the trap of using too much hyperbole at such moments, the Guardian's Harry Boardman, writing from Westminister Abbey, wondered whether the ceremony could ever be matched in its 'splendour, opulent colour, or historic symbolism'.

Boardman's colour piece, The Assurance of a True Monarch, appeared on page 1, top left. Click through to read in full Guardian

Despite 'goose-grey skies' the enthusiasm felt through the country was evident in towns and villages, where maypoles and ox-roastings were organised.

This story appeared on page 3, below the main picture Guardian

David Low's 1953 cartoon Morning After dared to question the cost of the coronation, prompting almost 600 readers to complain. One disgusted reader referred to 'this morning's sickly, sneering, tawdry cartoon.'

David Low's infamous cartoon appeared on page 8. Click through to read in full Guardian

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was also marked by her subjects in the colonies.

John C Beavan's report appeared on page 9, below the portrait of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh Guardian